The city of Blackfoot, with a population of over 12,000, is located in Bingham County in the State of Idaho. The city has enjoyed its local Fair since 1902 when the Eastern Idaho State Fair was launched to celebrate its agricultural and livestock heritage. After the end of the Second World War Italian prisoners of War were kept on the Fairground and formal racing took place, although in theory betting was not allowed at this stage. A large investment of money in the venture enabled a grandstand and stabling for horses to be built, but racing continued for just 2 more years, ending in 1948 when betting was made illegal in the state. However, in 1964 the fair included thoroughbred and quarter horse races on a 4 furlong oval track complete with 366 metre chute, when pari-mutuel betting was allowed for the first time, after Idaho relaxed their betting laws. Racing remains as popular as ever at the venue, although there are only 4 days racing a year, held over the two weekends at the end of August and beginning of September. A feature of the meetings is the ever popular Indian Relays, although the principal race is recognised as the Eastern Idaho Distaff Challenge which was won in 2010 by Tisa Dream Runner, in 2011 by A Regal Blue Sky, and in 2015 by Sign of Corona. |
